From: phys46@menudo.uh.edu (Bhaswar Sen)
Newsgroups: soc.culture.indian,alt.visa.us
Subject: information on h1-b from juarez
Message-ID: <1sm1q7$d7g@menudo.uh.edu>
Date: 10 May 93 17:01:59 GMT
the following article from a colleague describes his attempts at
succesfully applying for a multiple entry h1-b at juarez on 3 may, 1993.
i would like to thank those who replied to my request and mailed articles
(i) regarding travel to El-Paso/Juarez, and (ii) applying to the US
consulate for a h1-b.
note: please do no write to this machine as it's only use is to access
network news.
*************************************************************************
SUBJECT: Requirements for H-1B visa stamp at an US consulate and
travelling to El-Paso- Juarez. Visa obtained on May 3, 1993.
To apply for a H-1B visa at an US consulate abroad the following
documents are required:
1) current passport.
2) original approval letter for H-1B status from the INS.
3) one (1) passport sized photograph of the applicant.
Almost always the consular officers will ask for supporting documents
of various kinds. The most helpful and often needed documents are:
1) A letter from employer stating the applicant's position,
responsibilities, salary, and requesting a visa be granted for
business travel.
2) A pay stub, preferably the latest. Sometimes the consular officer
will ask for copies of tax returns as a proof of employment. A pay
stub and the letter from employer are considered as adequate proofs of
employment.
3) All degree certificates. This applies specially to applicants with
a Ph.D. degree, though all are advised to take their degree
certificates to the consulate. For applicants with a Ph.D. degree it
helps to be referred as "Dr." in the letter from the employer. I
forgot to take my Ph.D. certificate, but the letter from my section
referring to me as "Dr." satisfied the consular officer.
4) Expired passports with previous visa stamps. The consular officer
will definitely ask to see any previous visa stamps like F-1 or J-1.
Also carry all relevant visa status papers, eg. I-20 and/or IAP-66.
I had anticipated some questions on the waiver of my two year home
residency requirement and the change of my J-1 status to a H-1B
status. I had a copy of the waiver application packet, and the letter
from USIA approving the waiver of my two year home residency
requirement and the letter from the INS concurring with that decision.
The consular officer did not seem to care. Only wanted to know about
previous visa applications and the US visas stamped in my passport.
It was almost as if my previous J-1 status was irrelevant to the
current application for a H-1B visa.
The H-1B visas applications are being approved quite routinely these
days. Answer all questions directly and do not give unnecessary
long-winded explanations. Also do not offer any more information than
required by the questions asked by the consular officer.
Travelling to El-Paso/Juarez is fairly straight forward. Follow the
established routine:
1) Fly into El-Paso on the afternoon or evening before the day you
plan to visit the US consulate in Juarez. Before travelling to El-Paso
make sure that the US consulates in Mexico will remain open that day.
2) From El-Paso airport the taxi-cab fare to any part of the city has
a minimum charge of $ 10. All taxi fares are posted at the airport.
Check into a motel/hotel along I-10 and close to the Bridge of the
Americas. The options are many; Motel 6, Days Inn, Quality Inn etc.
The Motel 6 closest to the bridge costs $ 33, inclusive of tax. The
motel is located in an industrial area. The only eating place within
walking distance is an Arby's. So vegetarians be aware of the location
of your motel/hotel relative to restaurants etc.
3) One can also go directly to Juarez and stay at one of the hotels
around the US consulate. They cost around $ 65 per night. The taxi
fare from El-Paso to Juarez is $ 30, and is also posted at the
airport. One note of caution; when taking a taxi to Juarez, be sure
that the taxi cab company or the operator is licensed to cross the
border. Staying in Juarez will save a ride early next morning. Since I
did not know the regulations regarding overnight stay in Mexico
without a Mexican visa I decided against going directly to Juarez.
4) Get to the US consulate by 5:30 am next morning. If going by taxi
cab, have the driver pick you up at your motel/hotel. I used the
Border Cab Co. and they were on time and hassle free. If you are
renting a car, be sure to take an insurance valid in Mexico. Hertz and
Avis do not allow their cars across the border, Dollar and Budget do.
Once at the consulate park in the open lot next to the consulate
building. The parking fee is $ 2. There are two lines outside the
consulate. The one to the left (as you face the consulate building) is
the line for non-immigrant visas applicants. Then wait till the
consulate opens at 7:00 am MST (during daylight saving). DO NOT
SURRENDER YOUR CURRENT I-94 WHEN CROSSING INTO MEXICO. IN CASE YOUR
VISA APPLICATION IS REJECTED,YOU WILL NEED THE I-94 TO GET BACK INTO
US TERRITORY.
5) In case you check out of your hotel/motel early morning leave your
luggage at the motel desk and pick it up on returning to El-Paso. The
US consulate does not allow any bags to be carried into the compound.
A brief case is ideal. Even a backpack is suspect but acceptable. No
audio and/or photographic equipment allowed inside the consulate. If
you decide to carry your luggage to Juarez, there is a locker service
across the street from the US consulate.
6) Once inside the consulate fill the visa application form which will
have your photograph stapled to it. After filling the form get into
the line and wait your turn. When called, I was asked about my
previous visa applications, level and discipline of education, if I
plan to return to India, and where would I be employed in India. The
consular officer made notes on the application form and then asked me
to go and pay $ 100 for the multiple entry H-1B visa. All done by 9:15
am. Then we had to wait for almost two hours before our passports with
the visa was returned to us.
7) Take a taxi to the border (US check post). Be sure that the taxi
cab company or the operator is licensed to cross the Mexican border.
Clear US immigration, ie. get a new I-94. This process will take a
hour or more. On exiting the US check post take another cab into
El-Paso. Hit the bar!!
*********************************************************************
bhaswar sen
jet propulsion laboratory
sen@atmosmips.jpl.nasa.gov
From: mughal@juliet.caltech.edu (ASIM M MUGHAL)
Newsgroups: soc.culture.pakistan,alt.visa.us
Subject: Travel Log: H-1B @ Juarez Mexico
Message-ID: <27AUG199216413439@juliet.caltech.edu>
Date: 28 Aug 92 00:41:00 GMT
Sharing my experience here,
One day got the idea to finally get my H-1B stamped on my passport.
Below is the quick summary of what happened after that :)
Bagged along the following documents:
1. Pakistani Passport
2. Two passport size pictures
3. My copy of I-129 w/ H-1B authorization (blue form)
4. Employer's copy of I-129.
5. I-94
6. Letter signed by the boss saying I work for them.
Took a flight from LA to El Paso Texas (11:15pm) Took at Taxi to the
American Consulate in Juarez (7 miles from the El Paso Texas). Paid $ 20
bucks, no one stopped us across the Sante Fe bridge.
Tried to chat w/ people all night, at 4 am que started forming. Note, no
one wanted to be the first in the line!. 7am the doors opened. I was among
the first 15. We were led into the buidling, on showing passports and a
photo. Inside at the counter we were given the 'typical white form' with
35 questions. Filled it out and stood in the que. At the counter presented
the form & the documents. Questions asked:
-Where do you live? Who do you work for? When was the last time you entered
United States? Are family members living with you? How old are you?
Consular officer made a xerox of I-129 asked to wait outside with the others
in the garden. After half an hour, someone with stack of passports came and
there it was H-1B Multiple stamped & valid till '96. Done by 8:30 am. Headed
back to the airport, took the next flight, was back in Pasadena in 18 hrs!
Cost $112. Trip taken in the third week of August.
Note: Pakistanis don't have to pay any money for H-1B Visa stamp.
Pakistanis can go to Mexico w/o a visa if the stay is less than 30 days.
Fellow Pakistani got his J-1 stamped with no hassle.
Two Indians were there for F-1 Visa stamp, they had no problem either.
[All four of us roamed UT El Paso on the way to the airport :) -fun! :)]
From: mbjr@fiero.ece.cmu.edu (Mauricio Breternitz)
Newsgroups: alt.visa.us
Subject: Multiple Entry H1 in Mexico - INSTRUCTIONS
Message-ID:
Date: 15 Apr 93 15:50:36 GMT
Procedures to Obtain H-1 Multiple Visa At Monterry, Mexico
Note: These procedures were prepared by foreign nationals (India)
who were successful in obtaining H-1 visa to travel by following
the Steps listed below.
Step 1.
1)Fly to Laredo, Texas
2)Take a Taxi from Laredo Texas Airport to Nuevo Laredo
a border town in Mexico ($10.00)
3)Get the stamp from Mexican Immigration to enter Mexico.
4)If refused go ahead with your schedule since you are
already in Mexico and can legally stay in Mixico for
three days. (Do not surrender I-94 card)
5)Take a taxi to Near Laredo Mexico bus station in Mexico
for Monterry, $15.00
6)After reaching Monterrey (4 hours) take a taxi to
Hotel Rio ($10.00)
7)Ask the check in person for the directions of Consulate de American.
8)If you have time go to the consulate (5 minutes
walking distance from Hotel Rio).
Step 2.
1)Get up on the day of applying for H-1 multiple around 3:00 a.m.
2)Reach Consulate de American by 3:30 a.m. There might be
some mexicans already in line but you will be around 10th person.
It looked to me that the streets were safe but if you have company,
it would be better to kill time at the consulate.
3)The gate door opens at around 7-7:30 a.m. The
guard will give you the form to complete. (English)
Step 3.
1)Fill the form given by embassy guard. The permanent
address should be of (India) and temporary address that
of (U.S.A.) Fill the column of what you will be doing
in U.S.A. as (rejoining the job). Who will support you for
finances (self)
2)The embassy interview will start at about 8:00 a.m.
You will need following important documents:
a)%%Filled application form given by guard.
b)%%The I-94 card stapled in passport to your US Student Visa
c)%%The Letter from company for you to visit foreign country.
d)%%The H-1 petition, copy of H-1 petition and copy of H-1 application
%%%%form as filled by you and your company before you started the job.
3)Keep the company brochures, business cards and couple of
recent pay stubs as back ups.
4)Present the items a,b,c,d at the time of
interview. Answer only if asked any questions.
5)If approved, you will be given a receipt to pay the
$25.00 or (fee?) for multiple entry visa.
6)After payment go back to the consulate person in
cubicle/window who interviewed you. Give him the payment
stub he gave to you.
7)Go back and sit in chair when your visa is stamped
your name will be called. You will be returned all
the items presented a, b, c and d except the
copy of H-1 petition.
Step 4.
1)Take the bus from Monterry to Near Loredo in Mexico,
(don't take bus from Monterry to Loredo, Texas)
2)Take a taxi at Near Loredo in Mexico to Loredo
Airport in Texas. Reason being you will be only
asked for the passport and let you go immediately.
But if you ride the bus, they check all things your documents,
baggage, etc.
--
Mauricio Breternitz | Disclaimer:
Carnegie-Mellon University |
Pittsburgh PA 15221 | this message contains no disclaimer.
mbjr@fiero.ece.cmu.edu |
From: sonecha@quip.eecs.umich.edu (Vatsal P. Sonecha)
Newsgroups: alt.visa.us
Subject: Re: Multiple Entry H1-B from Ottawa
Message-ID: <1993Jan12.201308.1621@zip.eecs.umich.edu>
Date: 12 Jan 93 20:13:08 GMT
Thank you to all of you that sent me copies of this article, I appreciate
all your help. Nevertheless, here is the article for the benefit of others
who would like a copy.
---------------------------Cut here------------------------------------
From: sas@pandora.cs.wayne.edu (Satyajit Singh)
Subject: H1B multiple entry visa from Ottawa - Details
Message-ID: <1992Dec8.192100.2659@cs.wayne.edu>
Date: Tue, 8 Dec 1992 19:21:00 GMT
Folks:
I got my H1B multiple entry from Ottawa on monday Dec 7, 1992. Here are
the details:
- The consulate (Visa section ) is located on 85 Albert street, downtown
Ottawa. The U.S Embassy is located at Wellington street which is also
quite close by. Many people tend to get confused and go to the U.S
embassy instead of the visa section. So make sure that you go to the
right place. The building is on Albert street between elgin street and
metclafe street.
_______________________________________| |_____________|
Wellington Street @@ | | |
---------------------------------------| |-------------|
_______________________________________| |_____________|
Queen street --> one way |M | | E
---------------------------------------|E |-------------| L
|T | | G
_______________________________________|C |_____________| I
Albert street one way $$ | | |
---------------------------------------|St|-------------|
NOTE: ## is the US consulate on the 8th floor at 85 Albert st.
$$ is the Howard Johnson hotel at 140 Slater st.
@@ is the U.S Embassy.
The consulate is open for visa's on all week days (mon-fri) except
wednesday. The hours are from 08:30am to 12:00 noon. There is no need
to go there very early in the morning. I reached there at 7:45 am and
found that there was no one and the doors were also locked. So I went
back to the hotel and came back to the consulate again at 08:35 am.
There were about 7 to 8 people who had come there by then. The security guy
there gave me the application form which I filled in and submitted
at the applications counter.
- The documents I was asked for were:
- Passport with I-94
- Blue H1 form (I-129, I just gave my copy)
- One passport sized photograph
- Employment contract.
I did not have an employment contract ( I don't know what it means.
I presume it must be the original Job offer letter ) but I had the
following documents which I gave her.
- A letter from my company requesting the consulate to issue
a multiple entry visa as I may be required to travel
overseas on business.
- A letter from my company (primarily to state full time employee
status and also mentioning my salary.)
After about an hour of waiting I was called for the interview. I was
asked the following questions.
- How long have you been working for this company?
--> I gave the date since I have been working for my company.
- Do you have a degree from this country?
--> I said no, but I have a degree in electronics engineering
from India.
- Did you come to the U.S on a B1 visa?
--> I said yes.
- Where do you work now?
--> I replied that I now work as a contractor for IBM in Michigan.
- Have you been in Michigan all along?
--> I said no as I was working at IBM Charlotte, NC earlier.
- Where is your company based?
--> I said my company is headquartered in NJ but has an office in
CA also.
- The officer asked me to pay the visa fees of $100 and asked me to
collect my passport in the afternoon between 03:00 and 03:30pm. The
entire interview took less than a minute and it was very cool. some
of the questions might look intimidating but the tone of the officer's
voice does not make it so.
Make SURE you get back your H1 form along with the passport. They would
not return your old I-94. You will have to get a new one when you
re-enter the U.S.
- For information call:
613-248-4470 for a brief recorded message.
- I stayed at the Howard Johnson hotel at 140 Slater street. This is very
close to the consulate and is in walking distance ( about 3 minutes ).
It costed me $62 Canadian for one night with discount for being a member
of AAA. A room with 2 bed comes for about $70 Canadian which is good if
you have someone to share it with. They also charge $8 for parking for
a day as it is in the downtown area.
- Standard disclaimers apply and don't blame me if I have missed any
points. If you have any questions feel free to send me e-mail.
Good luck.
Bala.
From: ss7k+@andrew.cmu.edu (Shvetank Shah)
Newsgroups: soc.culture.indian,alt.visa.us
Subject: H-1 multiple information--Canada
Message-ID:
Date: 23 Sep 92 16:11:05 GMT
Posted awhile ago on SCI. Standard disclaimers apply.
shvetank
-------------------
H-1 visa at Quebec.
-------------------
Quebec seemed to be the best bet in Canada since Montreal required
appointments and the process was too long.
(My experience was in 1991 but the latest I've heard from Quebec is
that even as recent as March 1992, things haven't changed).
(Directions in French are Nord, Sud, Est and Ouest).
- I-87 North to Canadian border.
- 87 N is 15 Nord across the border.
- 15 N to 20 Est at Montreal (follow the signs to Quebec, can't miss it).
- 20 Est to Quebec (230 Km).
- 20 Est will take you across Fleuve Saint-Leurent. *get onto the right lane*
as you cross the bridge and get onto 175 Nord. 175 Nord exit will be soon
after you cross the bridge (which is a beige miniature of the Golden Gate).
- Drive on 175 for 20 minutes or so there will be a lot of hotels on both
sides along the way and a lot of traffic lights. Keep going on 175 till
you notice a wall leading to the Old City of Quebec. At this point 175 will
curve to the left, you should keep going straight and enter Old Quebec.
- You will be on Rue Saint Louis. Keep going straight, look for Rue Laporte.
The easiest way to get to Rue Laporte is to go through one of the small
tunnels on Chateau Frontenac, which is a huge castle towards the end of
Rue Saint Louis and on your right. It's right after Du Parloir.
Chateau Bellevue will be on your right and a few buildings away.
* Old Quebec streets are extremely narrow and buildings are very closely
* strung and signs are not very clear/visible. The whole city is so small
* you can be lost and yet not be too far from the place you're looking for.
* Ask around, it's small and cluttered and is easy to be "lost".
- Chateau Bellevue has off-season rates starting November through Winter.
- The US Consulate is very close to Chatteau Bellevue.
** To make reservations at Chateau Bellevue call 1-(800) 463-2617.
Documents:
----------
1) Passport and I-94.
2) H-1 forms (approval and change of status).
3) Proof of Employment (your Job offer is the best bet, pay stubs might
compliment it if necessary).
4) Letter from Employer explaining the need for an H-1 visa.
(wasn't asked for it but it can't hurt to have one handy).
5) One Photo.
6) $100. (US)
Note: There is some confusion on what 'H-1 forms' mean. When your H-1
petition is approved, INS will send two forms, one is the change of status
and the other is H-1 approval. Take these forms (originals) with you. The
header at the top of the form spells out exactly what it is.
The consulate opens at 9.00 am, visa applications are invited only on
mon, wed and fridays. I'm not sure if there is a numeric limit on the
number of visa applications processed per day, but somedays are really
crowded and going early (around 8.00 am) helps (psychologically perhaps).
You will be given a visa application form at the consulate as you sign in.
Fill it up and hand it in with you passport. You will be called (around 30
minutes later) and asked for your documents. A little later (30 - 45 minutes)
you will be called to pay $100 (everybody gets approved). A few minutes from
then your passport will have an additional stamp on it.
If you have time, visiting Montreal would be a good idea. If you want an
adventurous route back, go to Toronto (5 1/2 hours from Montreal), then onto
Niagara (an hour from Toronto) and across to Buffalo.
Vijay.
From: ss7k+@andrew.cmu.edu (Shvetank Shah)
Newsgroups: alt.visa.us,soc.culture.indian
Subject: Fwd: VISA AT MONTERREY MADE EASY..
Message-ID:
Date: 23 Sep 92 16:13:05 GMT
Once again, from the files....
shvetank
H1 Multiple Users Guide -- For Monterrey
----------------------------------------
Prepared By : Elvira D'Zouza and Prashanth Cannanbilla.
Disclaimer : We take no responsibility for any change in figures
and rules which may be affected at a later date.
Requirements:
-------------
1) Mexican Visa ( You may need 2 photographs and company letter
for this)
2) Passport
3) I - 94
4) Blue form (original Approval Notice) from your H1.
5) one " 1 1/2 * 1 1/2" photograph for H1 application form.
(AAA plus members can get it free , AAA member can get 2 for
5 dollars)
6) 25 dollars(U.S) for H1 fees.
7) Company letter if you can get one.
8) H1 petition copy if you have one.
9) Last pay stub if you have one.
Mexican Visa.
------------
You can get the mexican visa at the mexican consulate at
chicago, detroit or Newyork or any city that has a mexican
consulate or one at border towns Laredo, Brownsville or even
Tampa or Miami.
The cost of tourist Visa is 39 Dollars and of Business is 79
dollars. Most of Mexican consulates have stopped giving tourist
visas if you do not have a valid U.S visa on your passport. Some
of the border states still give tourist Visas. Brownsville still
does.
With a letter from your company showing your employment, you can
still get a business visa from any consulate after telling them
that you want to go to monterrey to apply for your multiple
entry.
You need two snaps for your mexican visa.
You will most probably get a 30 day visa with entry valid upto 3
months.
Going to Monterrey.
------------------
Most people take a bus across the border instead of flying
directly into monterrey because of people being sent back from
monterrey airport by authorities (Mexican).
If you get your mexican visa at Brownsville, you can go to a
place called McAllen to get the bus to Monterrey, Else if can
fly to Laredo then you can take a bus from there.
Outside the airport there is a Cab and a Fat Driver, You will
have to take this cab to San Bernado Grey hound bus stand. if
you are alone then he charges 8.50 dollars per head and fills
taxi up with 5 to 6 people depending on size. Other wise if you
are 4 to 5 people in group he puts on meter which comes to 6.50
dollars and then he surcharges one dollar per head so effectively
you will pay 11.50 for the ride.
There are many greyhounds that leave for monterrey from Laredo,
one that I am aware of are at 12.30 PM, 3.30 PM , 7.30 PM. But
there might be others.
You will get a ticket at the greyhound counter before getting
into the bus. You can buy a direct ticket to Monterrey, The cost
is 7.50 dollars.
Before getting into the bus, you will have to tell the driver
that you have to clear the immigration.
After the bus starts, it will cross the bridgeacross the Mexican
border and stop at the immigration building.(this is after
around 20 to 30 minutes after departure) Then, either the
immigration officers will come out or the driver will tell you
to get off. All who have to clear immigration will have to go
into the building. U.S citizens have to fill up a separate form
while you have to go to the right most Queue and stand and when
you reach the counter You just tell the officer you are from
india and you wish to enter the country, he will either direct
you to another queue or else shall ask purpose etc, you state
whatever the purpose is as you gave when you got the visa, this
guy shall either call a superior officer or he himself shall
stamp the visa on passport and writes something on the two
sheets of visa paper that you hand him and the keeps one for
record and hands you the other paper.
The greyhound bus does not go directly to monterrey. You have to
change buses at New Laredo. New Laredo is about 15 mins away
from the immigration post you just cleared. At this busstand you
get off the grey hound and go into the building to get your
ticket changed. show your greyhound ticket at Del Notre counter
, The guy gives you a ticket with Bus Number and your Seat
number on it. You need not pay anything here since you have
already paid at Laredo.
The journey to monterrey takes about 3 and 1/2 hrs, The bus may
stop once for drinks.
At Monterrey you will have to take a Cab. So at bus stand you
will have to cross to other side for the taxis.
No one speaks English but they understand sign language and
little bit English Esp Money, You will have to settle the price
for the Cab depending on the hotel you pick. We stayed at Rio so
I shall talk about that. There are no meters in cab and Tell him
Hotel Rio, he says immidiatly, 21000 or 24000 pesos,
(1 Dollar := 3000 pesos) so you pay 8 or 7 dollars depending on
the luck. Every body accepts American Dollars at Monterrey.
If you bargain the cab driver can settle for 5 dollars, (For
this pick up AAA , Mexican tour guide and learn few phrases, it
make a big difference, You can also have memorable experiences
with spanish, Believe me..)
At Rio, the rate is 60 dollars a day (check out time is 1 Pm
afternoon)
If you are going over a weekend then there is a special weekend
rate of 55.35 / day. For both rates, breakfast is free and is
Great big buffet.
Check out the American Consulate the day before. It's a 8 to 10
minutes walk from the hotel Rio. Ask them for the map to the
place and they shall give it to you.
You will have to go to the Consulate early in the morning If you
want you can call a Cab.
By 4 AM there were around 20 people in the Queue and being
summer hols , by 6 Am there were close to 300 to 350 people. You
have to sign your name at a register which the guard get you,
this is important because your position in the line is determined
by the position of your name. They will hand you a form, make
sure to ask for English form. fill it up. The gates open at 7.15
to 7.30 AM. you will be let in according to your order in
register, there are benches where you will be asked to be
seated, The consulate opens at 7.45 AM and the front few
benches will be asked to enter the office.
Inside one person scans your papers and asks you if you have
come for H1 multiple, and tells you to sit inside. There are 2
to 8 officers seated on opposite side of partition somewhat like
the bank teller system. Another Security guard will tell you
which officer to go to.
There will be a 2 minute interview or No interview and he reads
your Blue paper and asks for your Passport and checks if things
are in order and then either grants or does not grant the Visa ,
He shall in all probably grant you a visa valid for the
duration of your stay in U.S. He shall ask you to pay visa fees
of 25 dollars and after paying this fees you are supposed to hand
the receipt
to him then, a guard shall ask you to be seated and after 20 to
30 minutes your name should be called out. You go to last
counter and get your passport.
Leaving Monterrey
-----------------
You can Either
1)Fly out of Monterrey,
2)Take Cab from Monterrey to Laredo (20 to 30 dollars per head)
3)Take bus from busstand to Laredo.
You will have to clear immigration ( U.S) at border/ Entry Point.
If you take the cab from Monterrey to Laredo Texas then Bargain a
good price the max you should pay is 25 dollars per head.
if you take bus upto Nuevo Laredo then you will take a Cab to
the Laredo, thus can ask the Cab to wait while you clear
immigration (U.S) they charge about 15 to 20 dollars here the
cab waits till you clear and then takes you across to Airport at
Laredo.
Else you can walk across the bridge and clear immigration and
then board a Cab to Laredo Airport it's about 4 dollars Fare.
Else you can fly directly from Monterrey into U.S, there is an
American Airlines at 1.40 PM to Dallas.
You can ask at Rio desk for the special commuter for Airport,
They charge 9 dollars.
Things to Note:
---------------
Laredo and Houston and Texas are central Time
Monterrey is one hour behind Texas in daylight saving time and
same as Texas the rest of year.
eg:
>From April to Sept.
Monterrey 1 PM
San Antonio 2 PM
Pittsburgh 3 PM.
Hotel Rio has 24 hour dining Hall and food is INEXPENSIVE and
has very good service and atmosphere. Ask for english menu, some
of waitress do not understand English.
The menus shows prices in Pesos.
Rio Accepts Credit cards.
1 Dollar = 3000 pesos.
When you register ask for breakfast coupons.
Myth: Dollar takes you far, No it just takes U 3000 pesos away.
From: am299bv@sdcc15.ucsd.edu (Ravinder Bhumbla)
Newsgroups: alt.visa.us,soc.culture.indian
Subject: Re: H-1: Do you really need to go to Canada/Mexico
Message-ID: <23c36iINNnbl@network.ucsd.edu>
Date: 30 Jul 93 18:18:05 GMT
I had asked:
# is it really necessary to go to Canada or Mexico to get a multiple
# entry stamp in your passport before going home. Doesn't the new
# immigration law (1991) practically guarantee that you cannot be
# denied an H-1?
#
# I would like to hear netter's opinions on this. I would especially
# appreciate learning about any recent case where the H-1 visa was
# granted or denied recently in India.
I received a comprehensive reply to this from Rajamani Ganesh who
included information that he had collected and posted earlier on the
subject. Basically, the consensus seems to be that there should be no
problem obtaining an H-1 visa in India as long as you have the
necessary documents.
I enclose below the response I received. I have tried to edit these
into a digest format and you should be able to read the individual
messages using your newsreader's digest exploder (C-d in gnus).
Ravi.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: rf@earth.sarnoff.com (Rajamani Ganesh)
Subject: Re: Multiple entry H-1 in India
Date: Wed, 23 Sep 1992 22:43:33 GMT
rg@earth.sarnoff.com (Rajamani Ganesh) writes:
|> Hello folks - Just to let everyone know, that I got a
|> multiple-entry H-1 Visa from the US consulate in Bombay, about a
|> month ago without ANY problems, whatsover. Whoever, is still
|> thinking of going to Mexico/Canada, should probably think again -
|> because the risk factor of applying for a multiple-entry H1 visa
|> from India, is extremely LOW.
Hello folks - Since my last post (reproduced above), I have been
flooded with e-mails requesting more details. So here's a brief
summary:
Documents required for multiple-entry H-1 visa:
* Passport
* H-1 forms
- approval and change of status (you get these with your H-1 ; the
BLUE forms)
* Company Letter
- A letter from the DIrector of Personnel/Employment giving details
about the kind of technical work that you do, how much money you make,
how long have you been employed and a request to the INS folks, to
grant you a multiple-entry H-1 visa.
* $100 for Visa fees
- Make sure you have cash (Indian rupees) - they do NOT accept
checks/credit cards.
* Proof of Employment
- If asked for, you may show your pay-stubs from the company.
* Photo
- Very very picky; 2 x 2; No sunglasses/hats/caps; Less then 6 mths
old, WHITE background, face/hair must be very prominent - On
request the INS folks will send you a 1 page description (yes -
it's one full page) of the type of photo acceptable. (They didn't
accept the photo that I had -had to go the 1 hour photo center
nearby and pay a fortune)
* Copy of I-94 and all degree/certificates/original H1 petitions
(optional - they didn't ask me for it, but I had it nevertheless).
The Consul officer wanted to see the H-1 forms and the letter from my
company. She asked me - why I was visiting India (I replied : meeting
family/relatives). She was later joking with me about life in
Princeton vs life in Boston (she told me that she was from Boston and
I had told her, how beautiful Princeton is). The whole "interview"
lasted about 3 minutes and I was asked to pay the $100 visa fees
(there's usually a LONG line at the cashier) and come back at 4 PM to
collect the Visa.
Some Observations:
1) If you have ALL documents (incl. the PHOTO) ready - there's no need
to go very early. (The line, outside the consulate starts pretty
early, around 5 AM). Since I had to go and get a duplicate photo, I
entered the consulate ONLY at 10:45 AM; Ofcourse I had to wait a long
time before I was called, finally around 1:30 PM.
2) Make sure the application forms (I think, they are called Optional
form) are the latest. My lawyer had given me an older version and they
didn't accept that - so I had to fill out another one. It's probably
not a bad idea, to fill out an extra one - just in case.
3) They do NOT allow any bags, luggage, calculators, batteries (yes -
that includes walkman etc.) inside the building. (I guess they are
paranoid, after they had a harmless bomb explode in the consulate's
compound, recently)
Thanks to all the folks who e-mailed me some of this information,
before I went to Bombay to apply.
Well, Good Luck and Be Happy
Ganesh
(rg@earth.sarnoff.com)
------------------------------
From: shankar@hoh-1.att.com
Date: Fri, 17 Apr 92 15:45:36 EDT
Subject: H-1
I don;t know if you got the summary from me. I have read Sankaran's
summary too. I am sending my summary at the end.
Regarding your questions, ..
I CANNOT SAY I AM PERFECTLY SURE. UNLESS RULES HAVE CHANGED IN THE
LAST TWO-TMONTHS, THE FOLLOWIUNG IS VALID.
Procedures for H-1/H-4 visa are similar to F-1. You go in the morning
between about 8:30 to 11:00 (check times) with all papers, fill the
form, stand in line, and wait. Your H-1/H-4 decision will be conveyed
to you at the counter, and you return later at 4:00 to pick up your
passport with a visa stamp (if you get the visa).
When you are told that the visa is approved, you can expect to stand
in line for about 1 hour or more TO PAY THE $100 fee per visa. (That
is prob. the most irritating part. There is only one cashier and some
100 people).
Yes, if all goes well, one day should be enough. Go early. There are
some specific guidelines for the photo. It can be color or BW. IT must
be 2"x2". No sunglasses, no caps/hats. Less than 6 months old.
Light/white backgrond and your face/hair must be big and prominent.
THey actually have some dimensions - but there is a range of
acceptance - so a stanard large faced photo should be fine.
You and your wife can go together. That would be better, in fact,
showing that togetherness and all - I mean instead of you going first
and then your wife going alone. The risk of you not getting a visa
because of your wife is almost nil. It does not amke any sense.
Good luck.
Shankar
Here;s the file ..
------------------------------
From: shankar@hoh-1.att.com
Subject: Getting H-1/H-4 in India [Shankar's summary]
Hello!
I got a lot of responses to my query about H-1/H-4 in India. TO ALL
THOSE WHO REPLIED: THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH! (If you are curious,
about 6-8 people replied, and there there were about 30 other people
who were interested in getting this info).
MY CONCLUSIONS: Both H-1 and H-4 in India seem to be very low-risk. I
have not heard of any negative experience. Many people have opined
that it is not worth going to Canada/Mexico.
There may a restriction that the H-4 application must be made at the
consulate nearest to the place of residence - but I am trying to find
out (because I would like my wife to apply in Bombay with me though
her address is near Delhi).
Documents needed are:
- Passport
- H-1 forms: approval and change of status (you get these with your H-1)
- Proof of employment
- Letter saying company needs employee
- Marraige certificate (for H-4)
- Proof of money for supporting spouse
- $100 for each visa in $ or rupees
- Photo (2x2 or something. They are pretty picky, it seems.)
- (Suggested) Copy of I-94 (take a copy before handing it over
when you depart).
- H-1 original application copy (optional)
APPENDIX ONE and TWO contain edited responses collected by me and
Vijay Balasubramanian respectively.
Hope this is helpful. Good luck.
- Shankar
**********************************************************************
APPENDIX ONE: MY INFORMATION
**********************************************************************
*********** MY ORIGINAL QUERY ***************************************
Date: March 30th or so.
H-1 RENEWAL / H-4 APPLICATION IN INDIA
I have seen these questions asked before. But I have not seen
much of a response on the net. I think there would be others who
would also like to know about this. I can summarize information
for anyone who cares to know.
I am planning to apply for H-1 renewal and H-4 in Bombay in May 92.
My impression from the official rules/S.C.I./peoples' opinions is that
I1) The risk of applying for a H-1 renewal in India is not substantial -
(I guess it is about the same, if not better than an F-1 renewal
which I successfully got four times in 6 years.)
I2) Also, chances of an H-4 now seem to be better than, or at least
as good as a regular F-2 and better than a post-completion P.T. F-2.
There seems to be little evidence, but all that I have heard
has been positive. Does anyone have recent first/second - hand
information about this matter? Specifically,
Q1) What are the documents needed for H-1/H-4? My list is ..
(EDITOR'S COMMENT: A modified/updated list is given above)
....( Stuff deleted)
Q2) Is there any restriction on which consulate one can go to in India
for the H-4, and also, for the H-1?
Q3) If you are replying directly, could you please include
the type of job the H-1 holder had? I am a post-doc with
AT&T Bell Labs and I wonder if the job has any bearing on
the chances.
Thank you for your help!
Please reply to shankar@hoh-1.att.com.
- N. K. Shankar
shankar@hoh-1.att.com
(908) 888-7003
******* RESPONSES ***************************************************
------------------------------
From: pkb@ulysses.att.com
Date: Tue, 31 Mar 92 07:36:58 EST
Subject: Getting H-1/H-4 in India [Shankar's summary]
Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Murray Hill, NJ, USA
Your list of documents needed is exhaustive, I think. My wife went
and got her H4 in Delhi last month, without any problems. I have also
heard of only positive experiences so far. In fact H4 is easier than
either F1 or F2 these days, as long as you have the right paperwork. I
don't think the job matters much, but for what it is worth, I am an
MTS at Bell labs.
Pradeep
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 31 Mar 92 13:06:44 -0600
From: Roy George
Subject: Getting H-1/H-4 in India [Shankar's summary]
Organization: Computer Science Dept., Tulane Univ., New Orleans, LA
I had the same question out on the net a couple of days ago. There
was only one response about a multiple entry H4. There were no
problems in obtaining the visa.
Regards,
Roy
------------------------------
From: vijay@ncsa.uiuc.edu (Vijay Rangarajan)
Date: 31 Mar 92 08:00:31 GMT
Subject: Getting H-1/H-4 in India [Shankar's summary]
>I1) The risk of applying for a H-1 renewal in India is not substantial -
> (I guess it is about the same, if not better than an F-1 renewal
> which I successfully got four times in 6 years.)
Based on the experience of a few people, your statement above is true.
I have not heard of any application rejected in India for H-1/H-4.
>I2) Also, chances of an H-4 now seem to be better than, or at least
> as good as a regular F-2 and better than a post-completion P.T. F-2.
True.
>There seems to be little evidence, but all that I have heard
>has been positive. Does anyone have recent first/second - hand
>information about this matter? Specifically,
Not first hand, have seen notes suggesting success.
>Q1) What are the documents needed for H-1/H-4? My list is ..
> - H-1 original application copy
Helpful, not required.
> - Letter saying company needs employee
More like, letter of employment or anything to prove employment at that
company. A letter, if any, from the company would be one suggesting need
to travel outside the U.S. on a conference, etc.
> - Marraige certificate (for H-4)
> - $100 for each visa in $ or rupees
> - Photos (2x2)
Yep.
>Q3) If you are replying directly, could you please include
> the type of job the H-1 holder had? I am a post-doc with
> AT&T Bell Labs and I wonder if the job has any bearing on
> the chances.
Not to my knowledge. This is probably never asked, one fills out this
information at the bottom of the generic visa application form, which
is read mostly at a glance. In addition, this shouldn't matter at all
considering how easy getting an H-1 has become.
Please read the help file on H-1, posted on the net, for additional
pointers. Most of it is relevant to Quebec, the general information
in it might be of use. (EDITOR'S NOTE: THIS IS A POSTING BY VIJAY. I
HAVE IT IF YOU WANT.)
Vijay.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 1 Apr 92 10:35:39 PST
Subject: Getting H-1/H-4 in India [Shankar's summary]
From: ashish@tfs.COM (Ashish Mukharji)
I don't know about the H-4, but your info. regarding the H-1 is
correct. I just (Monday) returned from Delhi, where I got my multiple
entry H-1 visa with no hassle. They asked a few routine questions
"what is your educational qualification?", "what does your company do?"
only (apparently) to make sure I was who I claimed to be. FYI, I work
as a Systems Analyst - I have a BA in mathematics. So you should have
no problem at all.
Also ... I answered all the questions truthfully - I have applied
for labor certification, but not for an immigrant visa. No problem
with this.
Oh yes, one last thing. It's probably a good idea to make a xerox of
your I-94 - keep that with you. That's the little slip of cardboard
stapled in your passport. Good luck!
-ashish
------------------------------
From: "Dr. Subramanian Sankaran"
Date: Wed, 8 Apr 92 11:33:24 EDT
Subject: Re: Multiple entry H-1 in India [Subra's summary]
EDITOR'S COMMENT: THIS PERSON - Subramanian - IS COLLECTING
INFO FOR A SURVEY. PLEASE CO-OPERATE IF YOU CAN.
Hi! Nice work... I myself am fed up with all the snow-ball scare and
more and more people going to Canada and Mexico; sometime ago I
collected the following... I wish to receive a summary of the
responses for your questions; I hope to find time to come to the net
in 10 days or so... and if you can, please send me a direct mail
too... thanks...
... Subramanian.
Hi!
I have only six responses so far! So this short summary! Please, if
more of you send in data... I will post a really useful summary;
thanks again. ...Subra.(4/08/92)
(sankaran@phoenix.princeton.edu)
____________________________________________________________________
Multiple
Entry
Visa When Where reason &comments: Name
____________________________________________________________________
H-1 12/91 Qubec, partially...risk?, vijay
Canada easy to reach US for
additional docs if needed.
H-1 12/91 Madras No problems. venkat
H-1 2/21/92 Juarez, risk?, From TX, NM, AZ, say, R.gupta
Mexico Phoenix to there is easier
than to a consulate in India.
F-1 12/91- Madras, "rejected in Juraez; & tried in kumar
to and Madras! Needed friends to get
01/92 Juraez. clearance from Juraez; after
many questions,... got in Madras."
H-4 1/15/92 New Delhi "Hardly any questions asked" kumar
H-1 2/92 New Delhi "...without any problem... kannan
...personally felt there was no
justification for going to Mexico/Canada
just for this purpose..."
========================================================================
Original posting:
Hi!
Why get a multiple entry visa before going to India?! What is the
current trend? Is it still preferable to go to Canada/Mexico to get
the multiple entry H visas? Please send your response to me at
sankaran@phoenix.princeton.edu Will post a summary.
Please include ...
1) Visa type.
2) when (date or just month) did you apply?
3) where (city) did you apply?
4) if not in India, why there? Still not sure of ... consulates in India?
5) if in India, why? Sure of the current trend in the consulates in India?
6) Any other comments?
Thank you all... ... Subramanian.S.(2/18/92)
======================================================================
APPENDIX TWO : SUMMARY OF INFO COLLECTED BY VIJAY BALASUBRAMANIAN
======================================================================
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 16 Jan 92 11:11:37 EST
From: VIJAYB@PK705VMG.VNET.IBM.COM
Subject: H-4 in India [Vijay's summary]
Here are the responses. Let's keep each other posted about new
developments. -Vijay
======================================================================
EDITOR'S COMMENTS: Original Article posted by Vijay is inserted.
======================================================================
> I am planning to go to India this summer and get married. Since I
>would be on a multiple H1 visa at that time, my wife would apply for an
>H4 visa to come back with me. Is it true that the US consulates in India
>are issuing H4 visas routinely? Specifically, how is the scene in Madras
>and Bombay? What documents are needed for the application process?
>Will the fact that I would have already applied for labor certification
>by that time, have an adverse effect? I would appreciate any
>info/recent experiences in this regard. Please post or email
>responses at
> vijayb@pk705vmg.vnet.ibm.com
>
> One last question: can my wife apply for an H4 visa in Madras, even though
>my passport shows my Bombay address?
>
>Vijay Balasubramanian
>IBM, Poughkeepsie
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 14 Jan 92 17:04:16 EST
From: Ajay Joseph
Subject: H-4 in India [Vijay's summary]
I just came in from Madras yesterday. My wife easily obtained her
H4 visa with no interview or questions all they asked was
1. Marriage Certificate
2. My H1 blue forms.
They returboth forms back after giving her the visa.
The visa costs US $ 100.
--Ajay--
------------------------------
From: makarand!makarand@uunet.UU.NET
Date: Tue, 14 Jan 92 17:37:14 CST
Subject: H-4 in India [Vijay's summary]
Hi Vijay
I read your posting on NET requesting info on H4. Although my experience is not
a recent one ( 8 mo Old) it may help u. Please do not generalize from this
one experience.
My wife applied at Bombay Consulate in May, and got her H4 without any problems.
She was not asked any questions, other than show the documents, H1 petition
etc.
------------------------------
From: mdn9097@tesla.njit.edu
Date: 3 May 91 21:55:47 GMT
Subject: H-4 in India [Vijay's summary]
Dear netters,
" This has been a personal experience so do not generalize."
My wife had applied for an H-4 visa by mail at the Bombay Consulate. She
was asked to appear for a personal interview anytime during the week days.
She went for the personal interview on May 2nd. The only questions they
asked her were:
1. Was it an arranged or a love marriage?
2. Who was the priest who conducted the marriage?
3. Please show us the H-1 approval petition.
She was asked to pick up her visa at 4 p.m. in the afternoon. I do not know
the reason for the leniency shown during the interview, but I assume that
the "Dual Intent" clause as quoted by my fellow netter seems to be the
reason. Another friend's wife had also a similar experience. If you have
any questions please e-mail to:
mdn9097@tesla.njit.edu
or call me at 908-603-7937.
Manoj
Dear fellow netters,
Due to an overwhelming response from fellow friends I am posting this
article on the net. Again do not base this as a criteria for your wife's
H-4 interview. I am summarizing the questions normally asked for a
H-4 interview based on my personal and friends experiences.
1. Was your marriage an arranged or a love marriage?
2. Who was the priest who conducted the marriage?
3. What was the date and the place where you got married?
4. How long have have you known your husband?
5. Where do you live now, with your parents or with your in-laws?
6. How many persons are there in your and your husband's family?
7. What does your father and your father-in-law do for a living?
8. What is your background or education?
9. What do you intend to do when you got to the U.S., Study/ be a
housewife or Work?
10. Which company does your husband work for?
11. Do you know your husband's work address and phone no.?
12. In what position does he work for?
13. What is his address and telephone no. in the U. S.?
14. What is the guarantee that you will come back after completion of
your husband's H-1 visa?
15. What is your planning to do after he comes back to India?
16. Has your husband applied for labor certification?
<>
1. I-171 H-1 Approval Petition
2. Passport and a recent photograph
3. Marriage photographs and marriage certificate.
4. Application Fee-25 U. S. Dollars or equivalent currency in Ind. Rs.
5. Letter from company requesting the Consulate to issue her a H-4.
6. Letter of Affidavit/sponsorship
7. Bank Document verifying that you have ___ amount of $$ in your
account and that you will be supporting her during her stay here.
8. Property documents in India to show attachment and reason for
returning.
9. Preferably a job letter from India to show that you have a ready
job when you return<>
10.Job letter showing your salary and your intent to return.
11.Recent pay stub or 1990 Tax returns.
<>
There could be other questions posed by the consul and other documents
might be required. Generally if they decide to issue you a visa, they
want to make sure that the marriage is not out of intent to defraud.
There is no fixed criteria to base a decision, it is mostly random and
arbitrary. It helps to answer the interviewer firmly and confidently.
Your wife should be willing to shed a few tears if necessary. Lot of
my friends found that it helped their wives when they cried, even if
that means to put up with an act. Rest is all luck. So folks all the
best for your wives interviews.
MANOJ
mdn9097@tesla.njit.edu
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 15 Jan 92 09:07:34 EST
From: Ajay Joseph
Subject: H-4 in India [Vijay's summary]
I didn't take an affidavit of financial support with me though I had
blank sheets of my company letterhead with me just in case it was
needed - The marriage certificate is an implicit financial affidavit
form.
--Ajay--
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 15 Jan 92 10:34:32 EST
From: kumar@cbvox.att.com (Navaneet Kumar)
Subject: H-4 in India [Vijay's summary]
H-4 is no problem in India. My wife applied for one in Delhi last month.
She had no problems. Seemed like a formality. I heard in Madras, they
don't even have any interviews.
You need original H-1 approval notice, a marriage certificate, an
invitatation card, some marriage photos, or a married name passport.
[[any one of the last four would serve as proof of marriage]]
Good luck
Navneet Kumar
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 15 Jan 92 11:11:45 PST
From: dattatri@sphinx.Metaphor.COM (none)
Subject: H-4 in India [Vijay's summary]
Getting a H4 is a cake walk. Your spouse needs to apply from(or near)
her place of residence. It has nothing to do with your passport. The
documents are
Your H1 approval, Letter from employer stating your
postition/salary and her passport
Even if you have applied for your PR(aka green card) the case remains
the same; it's toooooo easy to get H4
Good luck
Kayshav -- dattatri@metaphor.com
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 15 Jan 92 15:00:30 EST
From: Ajay Joseph
Subject: H-4 in India [Vijay's summary]
All that was asked for in Madras was
1. Wifes passport
2. Marriage Certificate
3. My H1 blue form
I had exactly the rest of the documents which you are planning to take with you
but they didn't ask for it.
--Ajay--
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 15 Jan 92 12:55:30 PST
From: Rakesh.Singh@Eng.Sun.COM (Rakesh Singh)
Subject: H-4 in India [Vijay's summary]
my wife and got her visa on Dec 18 from delhi, as did my apt mate's
from madras we needed the passports, H1 approval form, photographs,
marriage cert, sec. proof of marriage like photos, wedding card etc
for the consulate to apply from i guess the address on your wife's
passport will matter
-rakesh
------------------------------
From: sandeep@unislc.uucp (Sandeep Kulkarni)
Date: 16 Jan 92 15:27:13 GMT
Subject: H-4 in India [Vijay's summary]
My wife got her H-4 from Bombay on Dec 23 91. I was on H-1, with an
approved labor certificate. It does not make any difference if you
have labor certification or not.
The 2 most important documents are - original H-1 approval, and the
marriage certificate (in English). Marriage certificates in India look
like application forms, and if the consular officer gets confused
looking at it, tell him/her that, that is all you get in India. As a
precaution, I would very strongly advise your wife to carry your
recent pay-stubs, letter from employer . This is just in case they act
funny. But they are very polite and are not hassling H-4s at all. It
is the poor F-1s that now have to bear the burnt of their hasslings.
Also it is irrelevent where you / your passport is from. She needs to
apply at a Consulate in her region, or rather from where her passport
was issued. So if she has a passport from some place in South India,
she must go to Madras, irrespective of where your address is. And, the
most important thing is that she can apply on her old passport. She
does not need a new one, neither a name change or change of marital
status in the passport. The Consulate guys are not bothered about
such crap.
Hope this helps.
Sandeep Kulkarni
------------------------------
From: shankar@hoh-1.att.com
Date: Fri, 17 Apr 92 15:47:54 EDT
Subject: H-4 in India [Vijay's summary]
PS:
If I was not clear, yes, you can apply together in the same trip.
Keep in mind
- Your wife must ahve a passport ready. Her name (maiden/married)
is not imporatnat.
- It may take you a couple of days to get a marraige certificate.
- I have known people to get a marraige registered earlier than the
ceremony so that they had more time for the visa etc.
Shankar
--
Ravinder Bhumbla rbhumbla@ucsd.edu U. of California, San Diego
From: cmt@key.COM (Chris Thomson)
Newsgroups: alt.visa.us
Subject: Re: H-1 Multiple Entry Visa Ques?
Message-ID: <3668@key.COM>
Date: 20 Sep 92 00:40:46 GMT
In article <1992Sep17.153346.16213@cai-usd.uucp> dinesh@cai-usd.uucp (Dinesh Goel) writes:
>
> I have recently been approved for H-1 status and would like to go
> for a visit to my home country India. I therefore need to get an H-1
> multiple entry visa. Does any one know if I can get my Visa in India
> itself. If yes than what am I supposed to do for it, and what documents
> will I need. Otherwise, what are the chances of getting it in Canada.
> I am in Pennsylvania and would therefore be going to Quebec or Toronto
> or somewhere near there. Any replies (experiences as well ) as to what
> am I supposed to do and take with me would be highly appreciated. Also
> does my lawyer need to do something.
I'm assuming that by "approved for H-1 status" you mean you got a blue
"Notice of Action" sheet from your employer or their lawyer. This sheet
is used at any port of entry to the US to get an I-94.
As long as you won't have a problem entering Canada, you can pop up to
Toronto to get your I-94. All you do is show the blue sheet to the
US immigration officer along with your passport. You can also do
this upon returning from India, at your first port of entry into
the US.
The multi-entry part is easy: just politely ask the US immigration
officer to stamp your I-94 multi-entry, explaining that you expect
to cross the border frequently.
One note: ask the US immigration folks NOT to staple your I-94 into
your passport. Strictly speaking, you're supposed to surrender it
each time you leave the US, and Canadian (and I suppose other)
immigration officials are supposed to sieze it if you don't. Mine
is paper-clipped into my passport and simply goes in a pocket each
time I enter Canada. Saves hassles.
--
Chris Thomson, Amdahl Corporation cmt@key.amdahl.com
46525 Landing Parkway, Fremont CA 94538 Tel 510-623-2312 Fax 510-770-0493
From mimsy!cs.umd.edu!news.umbc.edu!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!uunet!news.sprintlink.net!agphx.agcs.com!not-for-mail Fri Dec 10 11:39:42 EST 1993
Hello Everybody!
I had been to Juarez Mexico yesterday and was granted my H1 multiple
entry visa without any problems. I would like to thank everyone who responded
to my queries on the net and add my experience to the existing files and docs
available on this.
So here it goes...
1. Reached Elpaso on 8th Evening 6pm. I did not rent a car and did not
feel the need for it since I did'nt want to take a car into Mexico
anyway. I walked to a Hertz-Rent-a-Car and took a map from them coz
the information desk was closed.
2. I had made my booking for Econo Lodge at Montana Av thru AAA for $30.6
a night for single person. They don't have a pick up service after 6pm.
I got a bus from Airport that took me right infront of Econo Lodge. (I had
asked the driver to point out the place to me) I think it was Bus #33
3. I found Econo Lodge pretty decent, They have HBO and they agreed for a
late checkout at 2pm. I asked them to wake me up at 3pm and also took
the telephone number of the cab company from her. The cab office is open
24 hours and you can call them in the morning or also tell them in the
evening to come to your lodge at specific time in the morning. Rates are\
fixed by the driver.
Morning...
----------
Got up at 2:30 pm , checked if I had all the documents. Took that file
with me. I checked the luggage out then itself just to be safe in case \
I did not return before 2pm. Kept it at the office.
The cab driver asked for 35$ and that was OK. He took me to the place
right infront of the consulate and pointed out the place where I had to
stand. I did not have the Mexican Visa with me. At the border we were not
even asked to stop. An official was standing on the american side that asked
the cabby to keep going.
I was second in line at the consulate. The details of where to stand etc. already
has been written by many people and I will skip thus part. You can ask someone
there anyway.
As expected we were asked to keep the passport and photograph ready. I had a
color photograph and that was OK. A guard gave us the non immigrant visa \
form and this is the same as that we had to fill in India. The space given
for filling some of the things is very less but managable. Finally a guard
stapled the photograph to the application. Then I had to wait for my turn
for the interview. (There are counters A thru F but only three were open
by the time I was interviewed).
There was an old lady at the counter. She asked me for my passoprt,H1 B Blue form,
H1 petetion copy and the labour condition approval form copy (ETA 3095)
. Then she asked me if I was studying still ? I said I was done with the
couse work and needed to submit a project report to be done. She asked when
was I joining work and I said that the day before was my second day at work.
She asked if it was masters or bachelors that I was completing and I said
it was masters. Finally she said "You are going back to India for a vacation ?"
and though I had planned to say that I need to go to Singapore for a official
visit and had letter stating that, I just said Yes!
That's it! She asked me to pay the visa fees of 100$ in the next building
and come back with the receipt to her. I did that (next time you dont have
to stand in the queue). She took the rcpt and gave me a copy. Then she said it
will be 1-3hrs before I get my passoprt. I was given the passport after a long wait
of 2.5 hrs at 11:30 am. Meanwhile you can go and have breakfast etc. You just need
the receipt to enter again.
OK so you probably know the other stuff about going to Mexico and coming back
anyway. So let me again tell the documents that I took with me..
Documents that I took with me:
------------------------------
All originals + 1 xerox copy of each:
1> passport with current 1-94
2> H1B approval form (* ORIGINAL*)
3> Copy of H1B petetion form (I 129) Ask your company for this. It is
very important coz I know a friend who was turned down since he did not
have this.
4> Copy of Form ETA 3095 or the Labour condition application that was filed by
your company. Ask your company or lawyer if this was necessary in your case.
If it was, take a copy of the document that was given to the INS.
For 3> and 4> , When I had called up Juarez before leaving, they said they
need company or attorney certified copy. I just added a typed statement at the
end of my copies which said "This is to certify that this is a true copy of the
document ... which was filed with the INS " and took a signature of my Human
Resources Rep. I had'nt put a company seal. But to be safe I advise you to do
that. Or if you know your company lawyer you can get the copies from him too
and ask him to certify the copy. Anyway as it turned out they did not bother
me with that.
5> Letter from my immediate supervisor stating that I work for him and may need
to travel abroad for official purposes soon and hence be granted an H1B visa.
It was addressed to US consulate, Juarez. This was not asked for by the consulate
official who intvwd me.
6> Company verification letter fro HR giving details like job title, pay date of
joining etc.
7> My appointment letter that I had got from HR
8> A company monthly magazine.
9> My company ID. Note that I did not have any paystubs since I had recently
joined the company
10> My transcripts (BTech + MS) + Degree certificate (Bachelors)
11> $100 cash (They accepted $100 bill) + 1 pp size photograph (face front and light
background, color OK)
12> A good ball point pen :->>
I think this list is complete. In my case I needed just 1> 2> 3> 4> 11> and
12> above. But play it safe and take as much as possible.
All the best! And yes sleep well before the D Day coz all that wait is
very tiring. I like a fool spent my night watching HBO movies in the hotel and
ended up feeling completely spent up by the time I reached Phoenix.
Once again Thanx for being so helpful. Feel free to ask me any doubts that
you might have,
Bye
Pramod
--
Pramod S. Badjate e-mail: badjatep@agcs.com
AG Communications Systems Tel : Off: (602) 582 7713
Phoenix Res: (602) 784 4489
From mimsy!cs.umd.edu!news.umbc.edu!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!uunet!newsgate.watson.ibm.com!watnews.watson.ibm.com!hawnews.watson.ibm.com!pizza.fishkill.ibm.com!dsr Thu Dec 30 13:58:36 EST 1993
This is a summary of the process I went through for obtaining a multiple
entry H-1 visa stamp at the US Consulate in Quebec City, Canada. In a
sense, this compiles all that you need to know to get the visa stamp at
Quebec. I got my visa in mid-Decemeber, and the information here is as
accurate as possible as of that date; however, use at your own risk.
1. Preperation: Canadian Visa, Valid Passport:
Citizens of several countries need to obtain a Canadian visitor's
visa for entering Canada. The process was fairly quick (about an
hour) at the Canadian Consulate in NY. It costs $57 for a multiple
entry.
Make sure your passport is valid six months into the future as of
the date you will be applying for multiple H-1 visa.
2. Required Documents:
The basic required ones are:
o Passport with atleast 6 mos. validity and I-94;
o Two Blue forms (H-1 approval notices, one addressed to you/your
lawyer and the other to your employer);
o I-129;
o Labor Condition Appln (LCA);
o A passport size photograph; and
o A visa fee, depending on your citizenship; Indians, for example
have a $100 fee.
It would be good to carry (although I was never asked):
o A letter verifying your employment;
o A letter from your manager explaining need for multiple entry H-1;
o Documents of previous status (typically I-20 or PT/EAD papers);
o Recent paystubs, and statement from your bank; and
o Documents showing you are suitably insured.
3. Getting There:
Quebec is easily reachable by bus, train, car or airplane ;-). I found
buses to be very convenient (and fairly cheap) from several parts in
north-east US. Winter driving can be hazardous, so prepare well and
be very cautious if you are driving between Decemeber - April. See
below for Quebec road conditions hotline; call them before you make
plans to drive. Remember NOT to surrender your I-94 at the border
to Canadian officials. Normally, they wouldn't take it; if they do,
ask them for it. Make sure they stamp your passport verifying entry.
Directions: I-87N becomes 15N in Canada. Take 20 est from 15N. If you
are coming via I-93 or I-91 in US, take 55N in Canada, which
joins 20 est at Drummondville. (est = east, nord = north).
From 20 est, take 73 nord. Cross the river (Fleuve Saint-
Laurent) and take 175 nord immediately after. You are now
in this suburb of Quebec called Ste. Foy, you will pass via
a lot of hotels, restaurants and other businesses and a lot
of traffic lights. Keep going straight (this street changes
names, towards the end it becomes Rue St. Louis). You will
pass under an old, distinct wall that marks the beginning of
the old city. Continue on, and at the road after Rue Haldimand,
make a right. You are now passing thru a tunnel-like
structure that is part of a famous hotel called Chateau
Frontenac. When you exit the tunnel, the US embassy is right
ahead of you, facing the river.
4. Where to Stay:
Just one block up from the US Consulate, on a street called Rue La Porte,
there is a hotel called Chateau Bellevue. It is the most reasonably
priced one so close to the consulate, about $49 (canadian) per night.
However, you can try other options. Call and make reservations in
advance (see below). Much before you enter old city, and about 20 mins.
walk from the consulate, there is a YMCA. You could call Quebec Tourism
for its number and check it out if you are on a budget.
5. The Visa Process:
The consulate opens to public at 9AM, and visa applications are
accepted till 11 AM. Do not bother lining up early, there aren't many
people usually. One advantage of Chateau Bellevue hotel is you can
see the consulate right from the lobby of the hotel, and can decide
when to go. You are asked to fill in an application, and hand it over
along with your passport and photograph. A little later, you will be
asked to submit your other documentation; and a little after that, the
visa officer will call you for a short interview. Be prepared
to show any of the additional documents he may ask for. After a few
quick questions, if the officer is satisfied, he will ask you to come
back after 2 days to pick up the passport.
Note that the consulate is open to public only on mondays, wednesdays
and fridays; so if you apply on monday, you will get it back on wed-
nesday, etc. The day I applied, there were about 7/8 H-1 applicants,
with a good mix of nationalities. Questions are usually straightforward,
like what your job duties are, your salary, length of stay in US, etc.
6. General:
A. Quebec is a very nice place with lots of interesting spots. You can
utilise your waiting period to do some sight-seeing there.
B. Be honest and straightforward with your answers to any immigration
or consular officials. A person who applied along with me gave a
rather vague description of her job and was hounded for the next 15
minutes with all sorts of questions. So also with another person
who said he was visiting a friend when asked why he was in Quebec.
C. Important numbers:
Canadian Consulate, NY : 212-596-1700
US Consulate, Quebec : 418-692-2095
US Consulate, Montreal : 514-398-9695
Quebec Tourism : 800-363-7777
Road Conditions,Quebec : 418-643-6830
Chateau Bellevue Hotel : 800-463-2617
D. Quebec is not a really bilingual city, but you can get along fairly
easily. I had trouble ordering vegetarian pizza over phone. If you
are going to drive around, get to know the various road signs and
their meanings in advance.
E. Look out for prices, things are on the expensive side. Also, if your
ATM card carries the "PLUS System" sign, most machines will accept
it. Using credit card where ever possible gives you good rates.
F. The number of people at the Consulate on the day I applied does not
seem to be typical. It was specially thin that day, it is (apparently)
fairly more crowded than just about 10 applicants.
G. Thanks to people who responded to my earlier post on the subject:
Ajay Shekhawat(Buffalo), Vikram Khullar (Yale) and Aju John (Boston).
Previous posts on SCI/AVU by Praveen Shah and Shvetank Shah were
also quite helpful.
If you have any more questions, email me at dsr@vnet.ibm.com.
--sreenivas-- [12/30/93]